Located about an hour north of Tampa at the crossroads of U.S. 19 and State Road 50, Weeki Wachee is more than just a mark on a roadmap. Weeki Wachee is an enchanted spring -- the only one of its kind in the world -- and one of Florida’s oldest and most unique roadside attractions.

For years the fun, family-oriented park has lured in visitors with beautiful mermaids who swim in the cool, clear spring waters, and now you have a chance to be one of them!

The park will hold a mermaid water audition on January 13 at 10:00 a.m. Aspiring mermaids will be tested on their water skills including a timed, 300-yard endurance swim as well as treading water for ten minutes. Anyone who passes open auditions will be invited back for an underwater audition, where they can show they have what it takes to be a Weeki Wachee mermaid.

250 people from all over the country are expected to be at the auditions.

John Athanason of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park said, "When you’re swimming in a 72 degree spring with a current happening and your legs are bound, its very very difficult to do this job."

Mermaid Brielle was the only one chosen after the auditions last May and after being hired she had to train for six months before her being in her first show. She said, "The hardest part for me personally was to be comfortable on the air hose and look like I wasn’t dying."

The starting salary for a Weeki Wachee mermaid is $10 an hour. Applicants must be able to work a minimum four days a week.

There are currently 17 performing mermaids and three princes. The park is looking to fill eight mermaid positions.